Central High School
Central
High School
Student Handbook
Building a foundation of excellence…one student at a time.
2013/2014
Compiled by
the
Administration
of
Central High School
Property of:
Name_____________________________Grade___
Address__________________________________
Welcome to
Central High School!
On behalf of the staff and administration of Central High School, I would like to welcome you to another year of opportunity for growth and moving a step closer to your life goals. We stand ready to help you develop the skills, character traits, knowledge and good work habits that will help you reach these goals.
We look forward to working with you and your parents in helping you to prepare for these next steps in your life. We urge you to take seriously this chance to grow academically and to get involved in clubs, sports and activities that help develop social skills and life-long friendships. Good luck and have a great year!
David A. Crumrine
Principal
PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS PAGE WITH OTHER SCHOOL OPENING INFORMATION.
The student signature below indicates a verification of examination of the Central High School Student Handbook, pages 12 thru 58 Student Attendance and Discipline Policies for the school year, and an understanding of the content. Be aware that not all situations could be covered, and existing principles of past practice and the desire to maintain a safe and orderly climate for learning will dictate administrative interpretation of these general rules when faced with a problem situation not specifically discussed. Acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Acceptable Use Policy is also implied by signing.
__________________________________________________
Print Student Name Advisor/Advisee Room
_________________________________________________
Student Signature Date
and
The parent/guardian signature below also indicates verification of examination of pages 12 thru 58 of the Central High School Student Handbook of the Student Attendance and Discipline Policies for the school year, and an understanding of the content. Be aware that not all situations could be covered, and existing principles of past practice and the desire to maintain a safe and orderly climate for learning will dictate administrative interpretation of these general rules when faced with a problem situation not specifically discussed. Acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Acceptable Use Policy is also implied by signing.
__________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Forward 8
Spring Cove School District Mission Statement 9
Board of School Directors 9
Administration and Faculty 10
Bell Schedule 2012/2013 12
Report Card Schedule 12
Alma Mater 13
Academic Policies and Procedures 14
Advisor/Advisee 14
Curriculum Clusters 14
Course Failure 15
Dual Enrollment 15
Grade Point Average and Class Rank 15
Distance Learning and College Level Courses Recommendations 16
Early to College Classes 16
Final Tests 16
Graduation Assessment Rubric 16
Graduation Guidelines 17
Total 17
Credits 17
Graduation Project 17
Guidance 18
Homework 19
Honor Roll 19
Job Shadowing 19
National Honor Society 19
Promotion Requirements 20
Reports to Parents 20
Schedule Changes 21
Scheduling Philosophy 21
Weighted Courses 21
Athletic Policies and Procedures 23
Guidelines for Student Cheering Sections 24
Sports Physicals 25
Attendance Policies and Procedures 26
Make Up Work 30
Disciplinary Policies and Procedures 31
Authority of the Faculty 31
Philosophy 31
Guidelines for Students Behavior 31
Affection 32
Alcohol and Drugs 32
Arson and Other Forms of Reckless Endangerment 32
Assault: Verbal and Physical 33
Assembly Programs 33
Backpacks 34
Bullying Prevention Plan 34
Bus Policy 35
Cafeteria Behavior 35
Care of School Property 36
Career and Technology Center (Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center) Transportation 36
Cell Phone and Electronic Devices 36
Chronic School Misconduct 37
Computer Network 37
Corridor Traffic 37
Damaged Property 38
Detention 38
Discipline Plan for Classroom Behavior 38
District Technology Acceptable Use Policy 39
Dress Code 40
Driving and Parking Permits 42
Extracurricular/Co-Curricular Activities 42
Fire Alarms 43
Food and Snacks……………………………………….……….43
Hall Pass Misuse/Abuse 43
Inspection and Search Policy 43
Insubordination 44
Leaving School Building/Property Without Permission 44
Lockers 44
Lying, Forging or Altering Notes 45
Obscenity 45
Plagiarism or Cheating 45
Sexual Harassment 45
Student Expression 46
Suspension 46
Suspension and Expulsion of Exceptional Students 47
Theft 50
Threats of Violence or Harassment 51
Tobacco 51
Vandalism 51
Weapons 51
Miscellaneous Policies and Procedures 52
Fire Safety Drills 52
Fundraiser Guidelines 52
Lost and Found 53
Library 53
Prom 53
Organizations 54
Parties and Dances 54
Requests for School Records 54
Separations/Divorces 55
Student Assistance Programs 55
Telephone Use 57
Use of Medications 57
Visitors 59
APPENDICES 61
Access to Student Information by Military or College Recruiters 62
Annual Notification of The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 63
Annual Notification of Release of Directory Information Under The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 65
Annual Notification of the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) 67
Annual Public Notice of Special Education Services and Program Services for Gifted Students and Services for Protected Handicapped Students 68
Notice of Homeless Education Programs 81
Right to Request Teacher Qualifications 82
Forward
The main purpose of this handbook is to provide, in a concise and convenient form, information that will assist students in becoming productive members of our school. This handbook is designed to familiarize students and parents/guardians with the policies and procedures of Central High School. It explains rules and regulations of the school, describes its curricular and extracurricular program, and informs students of our expectations of them. In short, we hope this handbook will introduce the new student to our school and the old student in becoming a better member of the student body.
Spring Cove School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and handicap in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504.
For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Mr. John Clark, Business Manager, at 1100 E. Main Street, Roaring Spring, PA 16673, (814) 224-5124.
Spring Cove School District
Mission Statement
Building a foundation of excellence…one student at a time.
Organization of Spring Cove School District
Board of School Directors
Mr. John R. Biddle
Mr. Harold Brennecke, President
Dr. Samuel Dean
Mrs. Charlene Dodson
Dr. Jennifer L. Murnyack-Garner
Mrs. Amy Acker-Knisely
Mrs. Julie Mills
Mr. Willard Thompson
Mr. Kevin Warner
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Robert J. Vadella
Administration and Faculty
Dr. David Crumrine Principal
Charles Gojmerac Dean of Students
Jerry Albright Math
Shad Benton Social Studies
Karen Biddle Math
Carla Brumbaugh Math
Bernadine Cafferty Physical Education
Gary Carlson Guidance Counselor
Linda Crilly Math
Jill Dean Science
Jessie Edwards Learning Support
Laurie Fichtner Gifted Support
John Fitzpatrick Math/Science
William Forshey Phy. Ed. and Health
Charles Gojmerac Athletic Director
Stefan Grill Learning Support
Aaron Hileman Math
John Horton Chemistry
Robert Keith Social Studies
Kassondra Leidy Business
Rachel Lemmon Guidance Counselor
Linda Lightner English
Joseph Logan Social Studies
Emily Lonero Learning Support
Theresa Martin Nurse
Barry Mellott Social Studies
Brenda McCloskey English
Catherine Michalyk Foreign Language
Janelle Parker Music
Thomas Ritchey Vocational Agriculture
Terri Robbins Art
Doug Roberts Science
Mandi Ronan Learning Support
Kevin Schneider Alternative Ed. and Physical Ed.
Jody Seiler English
James Snyder Building Trades
Kyle Stern English
Zachery Soohy Librarian
Lois Sollenberger Home Economics
Philip Waite Social Studies
Louise Wilson Foreign Language
Joshua Wolf Science
Custodians
Ed Bennett
Susan Culp
Craig Robison
Food Service
Barb Black
Charlotte Claar
Carolyn Hoover
Susan Miller
Michael Pollard
Instructional/Personal Care Aides
Jessica Ernest
Wendy Guyer
Carla Kensinger
Patti Long
Melissa McKnight
Debbie Snyder
Secretaries
Geri Bridenbaugh – Attendance
Dena Burket - Guidance
Lisa King – Athletics and Activities
Sherry Montgomery – Principal
Bell Schedule 2013/2014
7:35 Staff in rooms
7:37 Five minute warning bell
7:41 One-minute warning bell
7:42 – 7:58 Advisor/Advisee
8:02 – 8:43 Period 1
8:47 – 9:28 Period 2
9:32 – 10:13 Period 3
10:17 – 10:58 Period 4
10:58 – 11:30 Lunch A
11:25 – 11:55 Lunch B Period 5
11:50 – 12:20 Lunch C
12:20 – 1:01 Period 6
1:05 – 1:46 Period 7
1:50– 2:31 Period 8
2:31 – 3:05 Activity Period
Report Card Schedule
End of Marking Periods: October 30, 2013
January 22, 2014
March 28, 2014
June 5, 2014
Interim Reports: Interim reports are mailed to the appropriate students 23 days into each marking period.
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Alma Mater
Hail to thee, dear Central
School that we cherish.
Where we have met and held our friendships true.
Joys we’ll all remember,
those which won’t perish,
keeping thy name and honor evermore.
Strive forward, hope always.
May our motto be,
guide us with wisdom and the knowledge true.
We raise our voices now to Central High.
Academic Policies and Procedures
Advisor/Advisee
The advisor will discuss an exact schedule of monthly lessons with students. Students must complete all assigned anti-bullying and Graduation Project requirements including Community Service requirements to be eligible for graduation.
Curriculum Clusters
The Curriculum Clusters are designed to accommodate the individual goals of our student population. However, it should be noted that individual skills and ability will play a vital role in the actual assignment of specific courses, regardless of the Curriculum Cluster. Each student is required to enroll in a Curriculum Cluster each year at Central High School. Students are not limited to the “Recommended Electives” and are permitted to take other courses of interest, provided that the schedule will accommodate the courses, the prerequisites are met, or the instructor, school counselor, or Assistant Principal/Principal has recommended the courses.
Central High School offers instruction in six different curricula as follows:
1) College Preparatory - is designed to prepare students for entrance to college, university, professional or technical school, or nurses training.
2) Agriculture Education- is designed to instruct students to become proficient in production agriculture (farming), to prepare students for occupations in agribusiness, and to prepare students for agricultural college. The student must conduct a farming program or home project to obtain the full two credits offered by the course.
3) Building Trades - is designed for students who desire to gain knowledge of the various trades and skills in the handling of tools and machines that may be of value in home and industry. Instruction is provided in practical shop work and blue print reading.
4) Home Economics – is designed to instruct students in the various modern methods of household management including cooking, sewing and related arts.
5) Career and Technology Center – Students may apply in February of the ninth grade year for a three-year program that begins in tenth grade.
6) Art – The Art Curriculum is offered to students who desire to gain a thorough knowledge and experience base in the fields of Art. Students experience and study a variety of art media in which theory and practical application are applied. A specific sequence and concentration of courses is required of all art Majors.
Course Failure
Students are advised to attend summer school when solid subject courses are failed. Summer school information and applications are available in the guidance office in May.
Dual Enrollment
High school courses that are taught by the teaching staff at Central High School and are also granted College credits are available in American Government, Computer Literacy, Spanish, English, Statistics and Calculus if the student has paid the tuition fee and completed an Application to the College/University. The class grade will be calculated into the GPA and the College/University will grant the appropriate College credits.
Proof of completion must be on file in the guidance office before any credit is awarded.
Grade Point Average and Class Rank
The formula for calculation of grade point average is as follows:
Step 1 Multiply course credit value X course percentage grade for each course attempted
Step 2 Add the four values
Step 3 Divide the total by the total credit value
For example,
Band 2.0 x 98% 198
Health 0.5 x 93% 47
Communications 1.0 x 89% 89
Chemistry 1.0 x 84% 84
416/4.5 = 92.4 GPA for the marking period.
This calculation applies to the GPA for each marking period. Final GPA is determined from current year grades, as well as all grades earned beginning in a student’s ninth grade year.
Distance Learning and College Level Courses Recommendations
Students interested in Distance Learning and Early to College opportunities should check with their School Counselor for eligibility requirements.
Early to College Classes
Students who meet the requirements of the SCSD policies may be eligible to take advantage of Early to College opportunities. The college will provide the grade for that course and the credits. Students can receive a waiver of a high school course that is closely related to the college class that they will complete. Students will be permitted to take independent studies provided their GPA is at least 88% and the independent program coordinator approves the college course. The grade will be listed on the student’s transcript as a Pass or Fail. The course will not be calculated into the GPA.
Final Tests
All College Preparation Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies and Foreign Language courses will include a final test worth 1/5 of the final grade. Finals in other classes will be optional at the discretion of the teacher.
Graduation Assessment Rubric
| |1 point |2 points |3 points |4 points |
|Combined PSSA | | | | |
|Score |Below 2999 |3000-34000 |3401-3799 |3800+ |
|Senior GPA |Below 76 |77 – 84 |85 – 92 |Above 93 |
| |Below 31 points | | | |
|ASVB or | |31 |40 |50+ |
|NOCTI or MOUS or | | | | |
| |No Certificate | | |Certificate |
|Graduation | |Satisfactory/ 2nd|Satisfactory/ | |
|Project |Unsatisfactory |try |1st f try |Outstanding |
|Sat. Completion of | | | | | |
|Remediation* | |No | | |Yes |
|PSSA Improvement | |Took test but | | | |
|(Average test) | |no increase |1 – 25 pts. |26 – 49 pts. |50+ pts. |
|Senior Absence/Tardies | | | | | |
| | |11+ |7 1- total |3 – 6 total |0 – 2 total |
Students must have 14 points to be eligible for graduation.
*Remediation program will be held during activity period, further details will be available.
Graduation Guidelines
Minimum Subject Requirements:
|Communications | 4 |Credits |
|Mathematics | 4 |Credits |
|Science | 4 (CTC 3 or 4) |Credits |
|Social Studies | 4 (CTC 3 or 4) |Credits |
|Physical Education | 2 (.5 each year) |Credits |
|Health |.5 |Credit |
| | | |
|Approved Gen. Ed. |As needed |Credits |
|Total |27 |Credits |
*CTC students follow an adjusted list of requirements.
Graduation Project
A mandatory project will be instituted in all POD/Economics classes or through Advisor/Advisee. The project will focus on student preparation for an occupation of his or her choice. Students will prepare a written and oral presentation
The Spring Cove School District Board of Administration supports the state mandated requirement that students successfully complete a Graduation Project to fully satisfy Central High School graduation requirements.
To Graduate from CHS, students must meet ALL of the following requirements:
1. Academic proficiency on state tests, or the local assessment rubric listed below.
2. Completion of 27 credits in the categories listed in this handbook.
3. Completion of the Graduation Project, including assigned Advisor/Advisee curriculum and community service requirements (8 hours required per school year).
Guidance
It is the mission of the Central High School Counseling Program to assist all students in the areas of academic, personal and social, and career development so they may achieve success and reach their fullest potential as productive life citizens. The school counseling staff offers a wide variety of services and programs for all students via individual advising and counseling, group advising and counseling, and classroom guidance lessons. The school counseling staff is committed to the goal of having each student reach the following objectives:
▪ To understand and develop coping skills to deal with the physical, emotional, and social changes of adolescence.
▪ To develop and demonstrate effective decision-making skills and problem-solving techniques as they relate to life choices.
▪ To develop an academic plan for their high school career with courses that are challenging, that match their interests and abilities, and that will help to prepare them for career success.
▪ To identify individual interest, aptitudes, skills, and values and relate them to careers they are researching.
▪ To understand and value the concept of life-long learning.
Within the counseling relationship, confidentiality will be strictly maintained with students and their parents. However, there are three circumstances in which confidentiality must be broken.
▪ Threat to do harm to oneself
▪ Threat to harm another person
▪ Report of abuse
The school counseling office is full of materials related to careers, post-secondary training options, financial aid, scholarships, drug and alcohol information, mental health resources, and other counseling related materials. Students may visit the counseling office during study hall, before and after school hours, or any time with a pass from a teacher. Additionally, parents are always welcome to call the school counseling office to schedule an appointment with their child’s school counselor to discuss questions or concerns.
Homework
Homework is an integral part of the learning process and an important part of the curriculum. All homework assignments should be completed and are expected to be completed comparable to the students’ abilities. The teacher will provide guidelines to ensure that all work is to be completed.
Honor Roll
Students who achieve a 95% average or higher in all major subjects are listed on the high honor roll. Students who achieve a 90-94.99% average in all major subjects are listed on the honor roll.
Job Shadowing
Junior and senior students with an 88% grade point average may be permitted to job shadow during the school day once each semester with a maximum of four days in a two-year period.
A teacher or guidance counselor should endorse shadowing recommendations. The parent, student, and principal must sign a standard permission form. It is the responsibility of the student and parent to read and follow the requirements contained in the permission slip.
Job shadowing permission slips must be picked up in the guidance office.
National Honor Society
Candidates for membership in the National Honor Society are selected at the end of either the freshman, sophomore or junior year. Candidates must have maintained a minimum unweighted cumulative 93% average in their subjects. Students are also evaluated on the basis of service, leadership, and character as outlined by the bylaws of the National Honor Society.
To remain in the society, they must:
1) Maintain a minimum 93% cumulative average (1 semester probation will be allowed for those who fall below this requirement after induction.)
2) Demonstrate leadership and character befitting a member of the National Honor Society
3) Complete the required individual and group community service projects
4) Attend all required meetings and ceremonies
The Central High School National Honor Society Faculty Council (a group of five faculty members) shall rule on all disciplinary actions.
Any student dismissed from the National Honor Society foregoes the opportunity of membership in the future.
Promotion Requirements
1) To be promoted from ninth grade, a student must successfully complete a minimum of five credits.
2) To be promoted from tenth grade, a student must successfully complete a minimum of eleven credits.
3) To be promoted from eleventh grade, a student must successfully complete a minimum of nineteen credits.
4) To be promoted from twelfth grade, a student must successfully complete all of the above listed Minimum Subject Requirements including a Graduation Project.
Participation in commencement requires completion of all requirements.
Reports to Parents
The school year is divided in four 9-week periods. At the close of the 9-week period, as listed in the school calendar, a copy of the student’s grades will be taken home by the student. This report does not need to be returned to the school. At the end of the year, a complete report will be sent home to the parents with the student. In addition, an interim report of unsatisfactory progress will be mailed home during the fifth week of each 9-weeks period. It is the policy of Central High School to regularly release names to local papers of students whose academic performance places them on “Honor Roll” and/or earns scholarships. If Parents DO NOT want their child’s name recognized in this manner, they should contact the Guidance Office.
Schedule Changes
Students are expected to complete all scheduled courses including General Ed courses. Schedule changes will not be made after the school year starts unless it can be determined that the course is above the student’s level of ability, in which case, the student will be placed in the lower level of the same subject. This determination will include input from the teacher, department head, school counselor, and/or Principal.
Scheduling Philosophy
The Central High School Program of Studies and Course Descriptions were developed to assist students and parents in the selection of appropriate courses. It is the intent of the Central High School’s School Counseling Program to work with each student to select courses that compliment his or her learning style and career plans. In order to facilitate the scheduling process and ensure the development of an appropriate schedule, the Central High School Counselors Department conducts both small group meetings and individual counseling sessions.
Weighted Courses
The following courses are weighted: Honors Communications, College American History, Honors American History, Advanced Biology/Bio. Tech, College Government, Honors Anatomy, Honors Chemistry (I & II). Contact the Counseling Office for detailed information on these courses. Beginning with the Class of 2014, students who complete designated honors courses should receive UP to two points on their course GPA based on the following criteria:
One additional point for final average at or above 90%.
One additional point for a final test score at or above 90%.
NO course grade above 100% will be permitted. These additional points are in place of the previous points added to the total GPA at the conclusion of the course.
Students wishing to be considered for Senior Class Valedictorian and Salutatorian graduating honors must have completed AT LEAST ten (10) of the following CHS course offerings: Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry I, Honors Chemistry II, Calculus, Statistics, Physics, 12th College English, Honors U. S. Government, Honors U. S. 12th History, 11th Honors English, 10th Honors English, 10th Honors American History, Biotechnology, Advanced Biology, Spanish III and IV (or equivalent of another foreign language), 9th Honors English, or 9th Honors General Science.
Seniors who achieve a grade point average of 93% or better at the end of their senior year will be designated as graduating with “Honors.” Students who have compiled a 98% average or better will be awarded “High Honors” status.
Athletic Policies and Procedures
1) All practice sessions must be completed by 8:30 PM. This does not include showers and dressing time.
2) No Sunday practice or games, unless permission is granted by the principal.
3) A student suspended from school shall not participate in practice sessions or games until the student is reinstated.
4) A student absent from school shall NOT participate in an athletic event on that day. An athlete must be in school by 9:30 AM in order to be permitted to participate in a contest or practice. Exceptions could be made with prior approval by the administration. Medical excuses should be limited to early morning appointments that run inadvertently long.
5) All obligations to the school or team must be fulfilled before an athlete is eligible for an award.
6) All athletes must be covered by insurance – school insurance, or private insurance. In the case of private insurance, this is to be verified by a note from the parents. The note will be filed in the school office.
7) All injuries shall be reported to the coach, who will file the appropriate form.
8) If an athlete is absent from school for two or more days immediately before the day of a game, permission to play shall be acquired from a physician and the athlete’s parents.
9) Missing school the morning after a contest is frowned upon by both coaches and administrators. In recurring cases, the administration will take steps to eliminate this type of behavior.
10) Athletic practices may not start before the end of the activities period (3:05). Participants may start getting dressed at 2:55, but they are to stay out of the halls when in uniform. Running in the halls is prohibited until 3:05.
11) All students must be supervised between dismissal and the beginning of practice and/or games.
12) Academic eligibility – a student must be passing at least 4 credits on a weekly basis. This will be checked weekly by the Athletic Director.
13) Each student athlete will be issued a sports pass. If the pass is lost or destroyed you will not be issued another one. If the student quits the sport before the completion of the season the sport pass must be returned to the athletic office.
14) Each student athlete will pay a “pay to play” fee of $25.00.
According to SCSD Policy #218, a student found to be possessing, using or distributing drugs; alcohol or controlled substances on non-school time and property maybe suspended from extracurricular activities for a minimum of 30 days.
Guidelines for Student Cheering Sections
To help ensure that sporting behavior by the fans contributes to, rather than distracts, from the event, the following guidelines for student cheering sections and general fan behavior are to be followed;.
Acceptable Behavior
• Clothes appropriate within district dress code.
• Face paint in school colors, school insignias on cheek.
• Applauding and cheering for your team during introductions, the contest and post-game handshakes.
• Signs that support your school team (where possible, signs should be fastened to the wall).
• Accepting all decisions of the officials with respect.
• Staying in assigned student cheering section.
Unacceptable Behavior
• Shirt-less and undergarments exposed or worn as outer garments. Wearing clothes that would not be appropriate or acceptable for school.
• Face paint in colors other than school colors, full face paint or masks/hats that hide student identity.
• Derogatory cheers, chants, songs, actions or gestures directed toward opposing teams, their fans or the officials, including during pregame and introductions.
• Signs that taunt or run down opponents. Any sticks or “props” that could be used as a weapon.
• Booing or heckling an official’s decision.
• Sitting in, taunting or approaching opponents’ designated student section, team or fans with an intent to cause a disturbance. Fans may NOT go onto the field or court after the game.
• Noise-makers (for indoor events).
• Any behavior that draws attention away from the players and the contest, including (but not limited to) inappropriate gestures, signs and cheers.
• Standing up for the whole contest. (Unless prior arrangements have been made with the game manager).
Exemplary sportsmanship should be the driving force behind all actions of students, fans, players, coaches and schools.
Sports Physicals
Beginning June 1, 2008, the PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) requires all member schools to have a comprehensive physical examination for any athlete wishing to participate in interscholastic athletics. The PIAA has always required a pre-participation physical, but beginning with the 08-09 school year, PIAA requires completion of a new mandatory CIPPE (Comprehensive Initial Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation).
The new form is valid for the entire school year. The new physical forms are available in the High School Main Office, the Middle School Main Office, and on the web at .
The district encourages parents to have their child’s family physician complete the comprehensive exam during the student’s annual physical. The physical must be scheduled on or after June 1st and will cover all interscholastic sports for the school season. The school physician will also schedule two school sponsored physical dates in the summer. Unlike past school years, these will be the only two school sponsored physical exam dates and the school will not have additional dates prior to the winter or spring sport season.
Attendance Policies and Procedures
Regulations governing school attendance have been established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and must be enforced by all schools in the state. The Spring Cove School District is open 180 days each year, and students are expected to attend regularly unless excused. An excused absence, as defined by the state, is one that occurs for personal illness, communicable diseases, or death of a close relative.
Students 17 and older who miss school due to parental neglect, illegal employment or truancy will be marked as “unexcused” for the days missed. Students age 16 and under who miss school for those reasons will be listed as “illegal”. Unexcused/illegal days are considered unlawful and subject to prosecution.
Excessive absences from school or individual courses, especially unexcused/illegal absences, affect a student’s academic performance and could result in the student failing a course of study or several courses of study. When a student fails a course, this could require the student to repeat that same course or prevent the student from meeting the required graduation requirements.
The following procedures govern students who have been absent from school or class at Central High School:
1) A student who is absent must present an excuse to the office upon returning to school. The excuse must have the parent’s signature on it, a phone number where the parent can be reached, and the reason for the absence clearly stated. Any student absence that required medical attention should have an attached medical note or doctor’s excuse. CTC students who are absent must turn in two excuses: One for Central High School and the other for CTC school attendance.
2) When a student fails to return an excuse within 3 days of any absence, the district will record the absence as unexcused/illegal.
3) A student who has more than three (3) unexcused/illegal absences may not make up work missed during the absence. Consequently, an unexcused/illegal absence will affect a student’s academic average and could be reflected on the report card.
4) Three or more days of continuous absences due to illness shall be covered by a doctor’s statement of illness.
5) Students will be excused for dental and medical appointments upon presentation of an appointment card or confirmation from parent before excused and the return of a confirmation card showing that the appointment was kept. Parents are encouraged to attempt to schedule appointments after school hours.
6) Parents/guardian of students who have accumulated 3 unexcused/illegal absences from school will be notified in writing. Those students who accumulate additional unexcused/illegal absences will be referred to the local magistrate. The Pennsylvania state school code specifies a limit of three days per year (not a semester) before fines are imposed.
7) The attendance office will send a “FIRST NOTICE” to the parents/guardians of students who have accumulated 10 absences from school informing them of the attendance policy and listing of the specific dates of absence. The district may require a doctor’s excuse for any subsequent absence.
8) The attendance office will send a “SECOND NOTICE” to the parents/guardians of a student who have accumulated 20 absences from school informing them of the attendance policy and listing the specific dates of absence. A parent conference with a high school administration and guidance counselor and a written medical excuse (doctor’s signature) for all subsequent absences could be required. Failure to produce a doctor’s note would result in the absence being recorded as unexcused/illegal.
9) Students who are chronically late to school may also be referred to the local magistrate for failure to comply with the attendance regulation. Accumulated tardy time will be counted as illegal/unexcused absence.
10) For purposes of determining credit, a student may not miss any class more than 25 times. (13 times for a semester course). Absences due to field trips, suspensions and school athletic events will not be counted toward the limit. Days missed for other reasons, subject to administration interpretation, will be counted.
➢ 5 unexcused tardies in a semester will result in an assigned detention and 5-day loss of driving privileges for drivers. Parental contact.
➢ 10 unexcused tardies will result in assigned detention and 10-day loss of driving privileges for driver. Parental contact.
➢ 15 unexcused tardies will result in 20-day loss of driving privileges for drivers. Parental contact.
➢ 20 unexcused tardies will result in loss of driving privileges for the remainder of the current school term for drivers. Parental contact.
All students in extra-curricular activities must report to school before 9:30 AM in order to be eligible to play or practice in any after school event.
11) Students aged 16 years and younger who accumulate 26 days of absences will be required to attend class but may not receive graduation credit for that course This determination will depend on their overall school attendance record which will be examined by the administration and the Attendance Appeals Board.
12) Students 17-20 who accumulate 26 days of absences in a semester will not receive graduation credits for that course. These students may be dropped from the school rolls depending on their overall school attendance record which will be examined by the administration and the Attendance Appeals Board.
13) Administrative decisions that result in the loss of credit may be appealed by parents before a special Attendance Appeals Board, consisting of the students’ guidance counselor, the Assistant Principal and the high school Principal. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the appeal form. These forms may be obtained in the main office.
14) Students denied credit in a given course due to class absenteeism may be eligible to attend an approved summer school depending on their class attendance record following the loss of credit.
15) Students will not be permitted to leave school grounds for any reason without presenting a written note from a consenting parent to the office staff or parental consent being verified by a school official by phone.
16) Educational Tours and Trips – Upon receipt of the appropriate written request form from the parents of the pupils involved and approval by the principal, students may be excused from school attendance to participate in an educational tour or trip and the absence will be an excused absence. The request must be acquired prior to the trip, or all days will be illegal. The tour or trip must be adult supervised, either by parents or adults approved by the school district. The principal will then make a decision guided by limits established by the superintendent. Trip permission will be based on academic and attendance records of the student. Vacation policy is to be limited to no more than ten (10) school days of approved vacation. No more than one vacation approval will be granted to any student per school year unless approved by the Superintendent. It is the student’s responsibility to make up any schoolwork missed during the trip. Please use the appropriate form which is available on-line and in the office.
17) College or Military Visits – seniors and juniors are permitted two days of excused absences to visit a college or military installation. Visits without prior approval will be marked unexcused. The administration may approve additional visits by seniors or underclassmen on an individual basis, but such approval must be requested in advance. A letter from the college verifying attendance should accompany the student’s return.
18) Students who are tardy to school and/or homeroom will receive disciplinary action. Excused tardies are those resulting from illness, as verified by parental note, medically excused or with prior approval from school officials. Medical excuses should be limited to early morning appointments that run inadvertently long.
19) Eighteen year olds residing at home must have all notes, excuses and permission forms signed by a parent/guardian.
Make Up Work
Upon returning to school after an absence or a suspension, a student has the right and the responsibility to make up any work he or she has missed. On the day the student returns to class, it is his or her responsibility to make arrangements with his or her teacher for this work.
Students may make up assignments or tests missed on excused days of absence. However, after 3 days of unexcused or illegal absences, he/she will NOT be given an opportunity to make up missed assignments and will be given a zero for any test given during his or her unexcused or illegal absence.
The activity/study period and the 9th period of the day is set aside for remedial study, individual instruction, and student activities. Students should use this period to make up missed assignments or consult with their teachers for additional help when they are having difficulty with a subject. Teachers have the right to request students to report for extra help during this period.
Parents are encouraged to set up conferences with teachers at any time to discuss their child’s progress. In addition, a teacher or a student may feel that a parental conference would help to correct a misunderstanding or improve the student’s progress. Therefore, parents, teachers, and students all have the right to request conferences.
Disciplinary Policies and Procedures
Authority of the Faculty
Teachers are authorized to reprimand or correct misbehaving students at any time or any place during the school day and at any school function or activity. While students are in school or on the way to or from school or school events, teachers have the same control over them, as do their parents.
Philosophy
The faculty and administration of the Spring Cove School District believe that the purpose of any disciplinary action should be to correct or change student behavior. Therefore, the following disciplinary guidelines have been established to promote change in student behavior that is not conducive or acceptable to the school environment. The faculty and administration also believe that the discipline process should be progressive in nature and should be a shared responsibility between the parents/guardians, student, faculty and school administration.
Guidelines for Students Behavior
The Board of School Directors has the authority to make reasonable and necessary rules governing the conduct of students in school. These rules are designed within statutory and constitutional restraints which are enumerated in the laws of the state, or which may reasonably by implied as necessary for the safe and orderly operation of the school
The following rules are assumed to be “reasonable” and are to act as a guide to govern student behavior until they are rescinded or waived. Students, therefore, shall obey the school rules while working through the provided channels to help change those which they feel need to be repealed.
Every student will be disciplined fairly and equally based on our knowledge of the current problem and past experiences with the individual(s) involved. Every situation is different and after hearing all facts involved in the case, a decision will be made. However, students should keep in mind that it is impossible to list every area of policy infractions, and not all cases or situations for which the administration may make a decision. Students may be assigned detention, in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension for the following infractions.
Affection
Untimely and inappropriate displays of affection (Display of affection beyond holding hands) will result in the student(s) being assigned detention and repeated violations could result in suspension for one day.
Alcohol and Drugs
Possession or use of drugs or alcohol will result in a suspension, possible expulsion, and a parental conference with the school administration as outlined in district policy. Spring Cove School District Board Policy No. 227 lists extracurricular penalties for use and possession, and allows drug testing for reasonable suspicion. All drug and alcohol violations will also be referred to the district’s Student Assistance Team for consultation. Look-alike drugs will be treated as if they are what they appear to represent. Inappropriate use of over the counter medicines and stimulants may also result in disciplinary action.
Arson and Other Forms of Reckless Endangerment
This may include tampering with fire alarms, fire extinguishers, starting fires, phoning 911, or lighting matches or lighters. These kinds of behaviors could lead to the student being suspended, paying for damages and could lead to expulsion.
Assault: Verbal and Physical
Verbal assault toward a teacher or any school staff member will result in at least one day of in-school suspension for a first offense. Subsequent incidents will result in additional suspensions.
Verbal assault toward another student may result in either detention or suspension. A student who believes that he or she is being harassed by another student should inform the school authorities and file a grievance report. The school officials will conduct an investigation and make recommendations for appropriate corrective action.
Physical assault, fighting, or Acts of Violence, will not be tolerated. All students involved in fighting/or Acts of Violence will be removed from the school on the day of the incident. The students involved in the fight will also receive Disciplinary Action (school suspension). Also, as mandated by School Code Act 26 of 1995, an incident report will be filed with the Civil Authorities.
In the case of violent offenses, the students will be removed from the school on the day of the incident. The students will be suspended out of school for a minimum of three additional days and charges will be filed with the Civil Authorities.
Assembly Programs
When reporting to assembly programs students should be aware of the following procedures:
Report promptly to assign seating areas.
While waiting for the program to begin avoid loud talking or yelling.
Get quiet immediately when a person approaches the microphone.
During the program cooperate fully with homeroom teachers who are responsible for supervision
Remember – In all assembly programs we are the hosts and the program presenters are our guests. This provides an opportunity for the student body to be gracious hosts.
Backpacks
Backpacks must be placed in lockers upon arrival and remain in the locker until dismissal.
Bullying Prevention Plan
Philosophy
Treat Other People The Way You Want To Be Treated.
We strive to provide a bully free educational environment. Students who feel safe and respected can give full attention to the educational process. Bullying can lead to more serious harassment and violence. By following a school wide set of rules, students and staff will maintain an educational environment in which bullying in any form is not tolerated.
A student is being bullied if he/she is exposed repeatedly over time to negative actions by one or more individuals. A bully is defined as an individual who repeatedly engages in negative actions toward another. Negative actions may include, but are not limited to
1. Name calling
2. Threats
3. Gestures
4. Exclusion from activities
5. Electronic communication (that offends the recipient)
The Spring Cove School District Bullying/Cyber bullying Policy #249 will be used as a guideline for dealing with substantiated reports of harassment and/or assault. This policy can be found at or may be requested through the high school or district office. Professional judgment will be exercised as to the exact intervention followed, but possible interventions could include warnings, detention, parent contact, parent conference, suspension, referral to the Student Assistance Team, referral to School Counselor, replacement or property, and/or referral to police.
Bus Policy
Students must maintain self-discipline while riding the bus. Those students who fail to do so will forfeit their privilege to ride the bus. The Spring Cove School Board of Education has adopted a Transportation Policy in order to provide guidelines for proper bus behavior and procedures.
• Violations will result in a student conference, parental contact, assigned detention, or suspension of bus privileges.
• Students who arrive early are not permitted beyond the 300 hall until 7:35. Proper behavior is an expectation.
• Students waiting for a bus at the end of the day must remain behind the yellow line. Unsafe or inappropriate behavior may result in disciplinary action.
• Video recording may be used to identify behavior problems and unsafe conditions (Board Policy 810.2)
Cafeteria Behavior
A student who misbehaves during lunch time (leaving tray, throwing food, breaking line, excessive noise, etc.,) will be disciplined. The student may be assigned clean up, detention or other appropriate penalties.
All students must report to the cafeteria for their assigned lunch period. If students choose to carry their lunch, they are required to eat in the cafeteria during their scheduled lunch period. When lunch is completed, all students are to put their chairs back in place, and to bus their trays, utensils, paper, uneaten food, etc., to the north end of the cafeteria and deposit them in the proper places as designated there. Students may not have meals delivered to the school from local businesses.
A computerized pre-payment system is used to process all sales in the cafeteria. Envelopes to pre-pay are available in the cafeteria or school office. Payments may be dropped off in the cafeteria.
Care of School Property
Each student should be proud of and help care for the school property he or she has the privilege of using. Scratching or marring furniture, writing on wall or desks, and leaving scrap paper on floors or book racks all detract from the beauty of our surroundings and should be carefully avoided.
Career and Technology Center (Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center) Transportation
All students attending the Career and Technology Center (CTC) must ride the school bus unless CTC and CHS administrators grant approval. Students, who violate this policy, by driving their own vehicle or riding with another student, will be subject to discipline. Bus regulations to and from the CTC School will be the same as the regular bus route policies. If a student is excluded from riding the CTC bus, he or she may not use a personal vehicle as a means of transportation to get to the school. If a student misses the CTC bus, he or she will not be permitted to go to CTC that day unless parents furnish transportation. Permission to drive on special occasions may be granted by the principal if a note is presented a day in advance.
Cell Phone and Electronic Devices
Although students are permitted to carry their cell phone /electronic device at school, the administration discourages the practice. If students choose to carry a cell phone/electronic device at school, they must follow the guidelines outlined in Policy #237 and are subject to the disciplinary actions outlined below for infractions.
First Offense
Cell phone/electronic device will be confiscated and parent/guardian will be contacted to come to the school to claim phone/device.
Second Offense
One day detention and the cell phone/electronic device will be confiscated and parent/guardian will be contacted to come to the school to claim phone/electronic device.
Third and Subsequent Offenses
One or more days of suspension and the cell phone/electronic device will be confiscated and parent/guardian will be contacted to come to the school to claim phone/device.
Chronic School Misconduct
Chronic school misconduct is the consistent or repeated violation of school rules or classroom rules. Students who are chronic disciplinary problems will be suspended out of school for a period of five to ten days and be required to attend an informal hearing with the School District Administration. These students may be recommended for further suspension, expulsion, or alternative educational placement.
Computer Network
In the interest of maintaining the integrity of our computer network, students who add programs, or attempt to access unauthorized areas are subject to disciplinary action. Students should not allow other students access to their account and should report lost and stolen passwords immediately. No instant messaging or journaling is permitted. Threats and/or disruptions to the safe and orderly conduct of school through outside sources may be dealt with in school.
Corridor Traffic
1) Traffic shall move by keeping to the right in all corridors.
2) Cross the hall directly in front of the door and proceed to the right if your classroom is on the left side of the hall.
3) Travel in a double line and keep well to the right at all times.
4) Going to lockers between classes should be kept to a minimum.
5) Teachers will step to the door at the end of each class period to supervise and direct traffic.
6) Students must have a teacher-issued hall pass in order to be out of a classroom during class time,
Damaged Property
Students are expected to care responsibly for school property. If
school property (books, furniture, lockers, equipments, etc.) is
lost or damaged, parents/guardians are responsible for the replacement cost of the item. The school office will provide parents with a written notification.
Detention
If a teacher or administrator can work together with a student to settle differences in a private talk, so much the better for everyone involved. However, in the event that a student’s infraction of school policy is blatant and without regard for the rights of others, the student may be required by a teacher or administrator to report to the detention period. Assigned detention is the same as an assigned class. Before serving detention, the students have the right to at least a day’s notice so that they may inform their parents and make any necessary arrangements. School is in session at Central High School until 3:05 PM each day. It is a privilege granted to those students in good standing to leave at 2:32 PM. Unless otherwise announced, regular detention will be held each day of the week from 2:31 PM until 3:05 PM. Failure to attend an assigned detention will result in additional action.
Discipline Plan for Classroom Behavior
Step 1. Regular detention hall is assigned for offenses 1, 2, & 3.
Step 2. Extended detention hall is assigned for offenses 4, 5, & 6.
Step 3. One-day suspension is assigned for offenses 7, 8, & 9.
Step 4. Discipline committee hearing and recommendations for continued offenses.
Step 5. School board review and potential expulsion.
The room where detention is being held will be announced at the end of the day. The CHS Discipline Plan is implemented in compliance with IDEA and PDE Chapter 16 regulations. A student will not regress in the step plan unless the semester changes. If he or she is in the middle of the process at that time, he or she will be automatically moved back to the preceding step in an effort to give him or her the opportunity to correct his or her behavior. With this plan a student would never accumulate more than 15 offenses in a year.
District Technology Acceptable Use Policy
The Spring Cove School District has established a district-wide electronic communication system to facilitate the educational process and administrative services.
The Internet is a global network that contains databases, reference materials, and resources. The global resource can extend students’ educational experiences.
Along with the use of this resource come certain responsibilities. Though all training in the use of the District’s telecommunications network will emphasize the ethical use of this resource, it is possible that students may come across some material parents/guardians find objectionable. While the district will take reasonable steps to preclude access to such material through electronic filtering and classroom management, it is not possible for the district to guarantee that it can completely prevent such access. The District is in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
The guidelines and conditions outlined in policy No. 815 in no way limit the District’s prerogative to manage its technology systems as it sees fit, or restrict its authority to take action it deems necessary to adequately supervise, protect, and if necessary, discipline its students. The district reserves the right to revise the policy, and all revisions will take effect immediately upon approval by the Spring Cove School District Board of School Directors.
Although District teachers and staff will continue to emphasize proper behavior, the assistance of students and parents/guardians in stressing the importance of the guidelines will go a long way toward ensuring compliance.
The policy titled Acceptable use of Computer Network No. 815 can be found:
1. On the District web site at
2. In the main office of all school buildings.
3. In each classroom that uses technology resources.
Dress Code
School officials may not impose limitations on dress unless the attire causes a disruption of the educational process or constitutes a health or safety hazard. Students have the responsibility to keep themselves, their clothes and their hair clean. Students also have the responsibility to wear clothing that is conductive to the safe orderly conduct of the school. The administration may require a student to correct, cover or change those items that may present a problem. Clothing items that contain printed pictures, slogan, obscenities, profanity and alcohol/tobacco advertisements are unacceptable. The wearing of coats that could be used to conceal contraband is also prohibited.
The Board recognizes that each student’s mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation for personal style and individual preference. The Board will not interfere with the right of students and their parents to make decisions regarding their appearance except when their choices affect the educational program of the schools or the health and safety of others.
The Board authorizes the Superintendent to enforce school regulations prohibiting student dress or grooming practices which present a hazard to the health or safety of the student him/herself or to others in the school; materially interfere with school work, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program; cause excessive wear or damage to school property; and/or prevent the student from achieving his or her own educational objectives because of blocked vision or restricted movement.
Students may be required to wear certain types of clothing while participating in physical education classes, shops, extracurricular activities, or other situations where special attire may be required to ensure the health or safety of the student.
The Board, in order to reduce disruption of the educational process and the risk of potential health and safety hazards directs the staff and administration to enforce the following student dress guidelines:
1) There shall be no clothing worn depicting the following:
a. Drug, alcohol, or tobacco messages.
b. Messages with implications of a sexual nature.
c. Insignia or symbols related to racist, gang or hate groups.
d. Violence of any nature.
2) The District recognizes the right of students to wear jewelry and other adornments. However, certain jewelry and other adornments, and the manner in which they are worn or displayed, may not be appropriate under certain circumstances and may pose a danger to the safety or welfare of the student or other students or staff, and may pose a threat to, or interruption of, the educational process.
3) Pants, slacks and shorts shall be worn with the belt line at the waist. Additionally, pants and slacks shall be worn so as to not extend over the heel of the shoe. Students may not wear short shorts. The hem of shorts, skirts, and skorts must fall to mid-thigh or to the end of wearers’ extended fingertips in the standing position, whichever is longer. Additional, jeans, shorts, pants, or shirts with holes exposing flesh or undergarments above the extended fingertips are banned.
4) Earrings and body rings worn in a location other than the ears are not allowed. Specifically, those worn in the nose, eyebrows, tongue, cheek or any other visible location besides the ears is not acceptable. Earrings must be removed or covered for physical education classes and industrial technology (shop, tech ed) classes.
5) Out of respect to fellow students and faculty, all students are required to maintain their personal hygiene.
6) Underwear will be covered at all times.
7) Footwear shall be worn at all times.
8) Hats, headbands, and bandannas shall not be worn inside the building.
9) See-through (mesh) tops shall not be worn. Students’ shoulders will be covered at all times.
The administration may require a student to correct, cover or change those items that may present a problem.
Driving and Parking Permits
Violation of driving or parking regulations (which include all forms of misuse of the vehicle, driving too fast, reckless driving and parking in non-designated areas) will result in detention and could result in the loss of the student’s driving privileges.
Any student wishing to park in the District-owned parking lot must obtain a parking permit. Students are expected to park beyond the designated line in the lot, and follow all traffic and safety rules at all times. Any violation of permit or safety rules may result in the loss of driving privileges. For this year, there is $20.00 fee for the permit. ONLY licensed vehicles are permitted. Students will be assigned a numbered spot.
Parking behind the school between 7:00 AM and 3:15 PM is limited to assigned staff. After those hours all cars must be parked in a designated parking spot.
Students must have a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license in order to apply for a parking permit. Parking permits are non-transferable to another student; however siblings living at the same address may share a permit.
STUDENTS ARE NOT permitted in the parking lot during the school day unless they have obtained permission from the office. By applying for a school-parking permit and by parking on school property, students relinquish their expectation of privacy when it comes to their vehicle. The administration may search student vehicles parked on school grounds at any time.
Be aware that changes in acceptable traffic flow are being discussed. Details will be communicated to students and parents before the beginning of the school year.
Extracurricular/Co-Curricular Activities
1) A student suspended from school shall not participate in any after school activities on the day(s) of the suspension.
2) A student absent from school shall NOT participate in any after school event or activity that day.
3) All students involved in school sponsored activities must report to school before 9:30AM in order to be eligible for participation in any activity sponsored by a school organization that day.
4) All extra or co-curricular school sponsored activities must follow the guidelines and requirements stated governing the Athletic programs.
5) A student must be passing at least 4 credits on a weekly basis to be eligible, to be monitored by the administration.
Fire Alarms
In addition to disciplinary action by the school, the administration will report incidents of false fire alarms and the use of fireworks to the local police for prosecution.
Food and Snacks
Central High School recognizes our responsibility in providing a safe environment for all students, including those with food allergies. Therefore, no outside food shall be brought into the school without prior approval. Also, in compliance with the District wellness policy, food will not be used as a reward.
Approved curricular uses of food must be coordinated with the school nurse.
Hall Pass Misuse/Abuse
Any misuse of hall pass privileges will result in denial of those privileges. The administration may also assign detention or suspension for these offenses.
Students must sign out and carry a pass with them until they return to the classroom and are signed back in.
Inspection and Search Policy
Spring Cove School District Policy #226 allows school authorities to search a student’s locker and seize any illegal materials. Such materials may be used as evidence against the student in disciplinary proceedings. (See additional information on searches under “Lockers” and “Driving and Parking Permits.”)
Insubordination
Defiance in carrying out directions or any display of disrespect to any staff member may result in detention or suspension. The administration will determine the appropriate discipline.
Leaving School Building/Property Without Permission
* First offense the student will receive one day of in-school suspension and possible loss of parking privileges.
* Repeated offenses will result in additional suspensions.
Lockers
The guidance office will assign lockers on the first day of school. Lockers are assigned on a joint ownership between the student and the school. No fee will be charged for use of lockers, but students will be held responsible financially and otherwise if any damage occurs. Lockers should be kept locked at all times. Students are cautioned against giving their combination to other students. They cannot expect their property to be safe if others know their locker combinations. Each student is responsible for keeping his or her assigned locker clean both inside and out. Nothing may be posted on them, either inside or out. Any locker malfunction should be reported to the office immediately.
Lockers, including both hall lockers and gym lockers, are the property of the school district. Students should not assume or expect privacy when lockers are utilized. The administration reserves the right to open and search any and all lockers at any time. Lockers are subject to random safety or cleanliness inspections or searches. Such searches will not be conducted based on individual suspicion and therefore may be sweeping in nature. These searches have in the past and may at any time in the future include the use of trained search dogs, such as drug-sniffing dogs.
The Spring Cove School District complies with State Board of Education Regulations and state and federal laws. The United States Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania have held that properly conducted searches in schools do not violate the United States or Pennsylvania Constitutions. The Courts have held that students have a limited privacy interest while at school; that schools have a compelling interest in maintaining a safe and secure environment; and that reasonably conducted searches do not violate the limited privacy interests of students.
School authorities may also search an individual student’s locker where they have reasonable suspicion that a locker contains materials which pose a threat to the health, welfare, or safety of students in the school. Upon completing any search, regardless of the type of search, school officials may seize any illegal and/or dangerous materials, and may use those materials as evidence in disciplinary proceedings.
Lying, Forging or Altering Notes
Any student who is deliberately untruthful, forges a signature or alters a pass or note will be assigned one-day in-school suspension. Repeated offenses of this nature will lead to out-of-school suspension.
Obscenity
This may include using foul language, the use of obscene gestures, writing which includes the use of foul language or wearing clothing which contains profane language or obscene gestures. Students with infractions of this nature will be assigned detention. Repeated referrals will result in suspension.
Plagiarism or Cheating
When a student is caught cheating or plagiarizing materials, a zero will be given for the grade on that item. The teacher or the administration will notify the parent. Written notice will be filed
in the office.
Sexual Harassment
The Spring Cove School District will not tolerate sexual harassment. A substantiated charge of sexual harassment will lead to a student’s being suspended and could lead to school expulsion. Sexual harassment will be defined as, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, repeated remarks with sexual overtures, touching of a sexual nature, graffiti of a sexual nature, displaying or distributing of sexually explicit drawings, pictures and written materials, touching oneself sexually or talking about one’s sexual activity in front of others, or spreading rumors about or rating other students as to their sexual activity, abilities or performance. If a student believes that he or she has been sexually harassed or has been placed in an uncomfortable sexual environment, he or she needs to report the incident and file a grievance form with the school authorities. The School Administration will investigate the incident and make a recommendation for appropriate corrective actions.
Student Expression
The right of public school students to freedom of speech is guaranteed by the Constitution. Exercise of that right, however, is limited. The district has the responsibility to maintain an orderly school environment and to protect the rights of all members of the school community. Board Policy No. 220 contains guidelines for student expression and for the posting and distribution of materials. A copy of this policy is available upon request or may be obtained via the district web site.
Suspension
The number of days served for suspension will be based on the severity of the incident and any previous suspension issued.
1) In-school Suspension
In-school suspension shall be assigned by the school administration. Students assigned to in-school suspension will have the opportunity to respond before the suspension becomes effective. The parents or guardians shall be notified of the suspension action before the suspension becomes effective. During the suspension, provisions will be made for the student to continue his or her class studies.
2) Out-of-school Suspension
Out-of-school suspension shall be assigned by the school administration. Students and parents or guardians of the student, assigned out-of-school suspension shall be informed of the reasons for the suspension and will have the opportunity to respond before the suspension becomes effective. A parent conference will be required before the student may be re-admitted back to school. When the suspension exceeds three school days, the student and parent shall be given the opportunity for an informal hearing consistent with the requirements set forth in regulations on Students Rights and Responsibilities. Suspensions may not be made to run consecutively beyond the ten school day period. The student shall have the responsibility to make up exams and work missed while being disciplined by suspension.
Suspension and Expulsion of Exceptional Students
These procedures supersede procedures outlined in “Student Rights and Responsibilities.”
A. Suspension of a student with an Intellectual Disability:
A disciplinary change of placement occurs when a student with an Intellectual Disability is removed from his/her educational setting for even one school day (due to a violation of the school code of conduct).
1. When suspension is recommended the school must conduct a review to decide if the behavior of concern is a manifestation of the student’s disability. The Manifestation Determination must take place within 10 school days of the decision to change the placement of the student. The team must include the Local Education Agency (LEA), parent, special education teacher, regular education teachers, and other relevant members of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team (as determined by the LEA and parent). The team must review all relevant information in the student’s file (including the IEP, teacher observations, and any relevant information provided by the parent). The team is to determine if the behavior of concern was caused by or had a direct and substantial relationship to the student’s disability. The team will also determine if the behavior of concern was the direct result of the School District’s failure to implement the student’s IEP.
a) If the behavior of concern is determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability:
i) Conduct a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and implement a Positive Behavior Support Plan (PBSP), or
ii) If a PBSP already exists, review and modify as necessary to
address the behavior of concern.
iii) Return the student to the original placement from which he/she was removed unless the parent and the LEA agree to the change in placement as part of the modification of the PBSP
b) If it is determined that the School District failed to implement the student’s IEP, the School District must take immediate steps to remedy the identified deficits.
c) If the behavior of concern is not determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability:
i) Provide the parent with the Procedural Safeguards Notice on the day on which the decision to take disciplinary action involving a change of placement was made.
ii) Issue a Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP)
iii) Obtain written parental approval of the NOREP
iv) Implement the suspension
d) Special circumstances: If the following conditions occur, the school district may unilaterally remove a student with a disability to an interim alternative educational setting for no more than 45 days regardless to whether the behavior of concern is determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability:
i) Carries/possesses a weapon at school, on school grounds, or at a school function
ii) Possession or use of illegal drugs or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance while at school, on school grounds, or at a school function
iii) Has inflicted serious bodily injury upon another person while at school, on school grounds, or at a school function
2. When parent approval cannot be obtained, i.e. parent is not available, and an emergency exists; the school may request approval from the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education or his/her designee.
a) The request may be by telephone.
b) The request must include the reason for suspension.
3. The Pennsylvania Secretary of Education or his/her designee reviews the request and may approve the suspension if the criteria are met namely, that the school can demonstrate that alternative methods have been tried without success in alleviating the problem. The school may suspend the student, if approved by the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education or his/her designee, but still must issue a Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP) and conduct a hearing if requested.
B. Suspension of other Exceptional Students: Requirements of “Student Rights and Responsibilities” apply; no other requirements are applicable.
C. Prior to the school considering exclusion for more than 10 consecutive days, or 15 cumulative days, or when 11 – 15 school days constitute a pattern of exclusion in a school year of identified exceptional students:
1) When suspension is recommended the school must conduct a review to decide if the behavior of concern is a manifestation of the student’s disability. The Manifestation Determination must take place within 10 school days of the decision to change the placement of the student. The team must include the LEA, parent, special education teacher, regular education teachers, and other relevant members of the IEP team (as determined by the LEA and parent). The team must review all relevant information in the student’s file (including the IEP, teacher observations, and any relevant information provided by the parent). The team is to determine if the behavior of concern was caused by or had a direct and substantial relationship to the student’s disability. The team will also determine if the behavior of concern was the direct result of the School District’s failure to implement the student’s IEP.
a) If the behavior of concern is determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability:
i) Conduct a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and implement a Positive Behavior Support Plan (PBSP), or
ii) If a PBSP already exists, review and modify as necessary to address the behavior of concern.
iii) Return the student to the original placement from which he/she was removed unless the parent and the LEA agree to the change in placement as part of the modification of the PBSP
b) If it is determined that the School District failed to implement the student’s IEP, the School District must take immediate steps to remedy the identified deficits.
c) If the behavior of concern is not determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability:
i) Provide the parent with the Procedural Safeguards Notice on the day on which the decision to take disciplinary action involving a change of placement was made.
ii) Issue a Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP)
iii) Obtain written parental approval of the NOREP
iv) Implement the suspension
d) Special circumstances: If the following conditions occur, the school district may unilaterally remove a student with a disability to an interim alternative educational setting for no more than 45 days regardless to whether the behavior of concern is determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability:
i) Carries/possesses a weapon at school, on school grounds, or at a school function
ii) Possession or use of illegal drugs or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance while at school, on school grounds, or at a school function
iii) Has inflicted serious bodily injury upon another person while at school, on school grounds, or at a school function
2) When parental approval cannot be obtained, and an emergency exists, the school may request approval from a federal court.
a) The request must be in writing.
b) The request must include documentation that Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP) was issued to the parent.
c) The request must include documentation of an offer of alternative education assignment and that the student is clearly an immediate threat to himself and/or others.
d) The federal court reviews the request and may approve the exclusion if criteria are met. The school may exclude the student, if approved by the federal court; however, if the parent disagrees, a special education hearing must be conducted immediately. For disciplinary exclusion of socially and emotionally disturbed and learning disabled students, there must be procedural due process which includes notice and right to a special education due process hearing before exclusion beyond 10 days.
3) Any student(s) who are present on school premises when suspended or expelled and who do not have written authorization from the principal or his/her designee to be present on school premises during such times will be prosecuted for trespassing.
Theft
Anyone found guilty of theft will be suspended and not admitted to school until a parent conference is held. Major offenses may be referred to the Civil Authorities. Restitution must be made to the satisfaction of the administration. If necessary, discipline may be administered by the building principal.
Threats of Violence or Harassment
Threats of violence or harassment against either students or staff members will not be tolerated. Violations of this policy will result in serious Disciplinary Action.
Tobacco
All tobacco products and tobacco substitutes (including electronic cigarettes) are prohibited on school property. Any student who uses or has in their personal possession any tobacco product will be suspended in school for a minimum of one day. Charges will be filed against them with the Civil Authorities.
Vandalism
The offending student or the student’s parent or guardian will be required to pay for the correction of the damaged property. The student will be suspended from school and the civil authorities will be notified. Restitution must be made to the satisfaction of the administration.
Weapons
Possession, use or transfer of any dangerous instrument will lead to a student’s receiving a temporary or full suspension. Serious incidents will result in a required school board hearing and possible expulsion from the school. This includes ammo, knives, clubs, sticks, guns, chain which may cause a threat to the safe and orderly conduct of the school.
Miscellaneous Policies and Procedures
Fire Safety Drills
Fire drills will be held at intervals throughout the year. Students closest to the window will close them immediately when the alarm sounds. The teacher will lead and direct the students from the room and into the proper line until they have left the building.
The line will move in single file in complete silence while passing and remain orderly and intact when coming back into the building as well as leaving it. Walk rapidly, but DO NOT RUN.
A sign is posted in each room that indicates the exit to be used in case of a drill or an emergency.
The last person to leave the room will close the door and the first student to reach the outside doors will hold them open for the entire line.
Students are to remain in room groups at least twenty-five yards away from the building. Each teacher is responsible for his or her group of students when leaving or returning and during the time they are outside the building.
Fundraiser Guidelines
Only approved fundraisers are permitted in the school. Advisors will assure that proper procedures are followed when planning and conducting fundraisers. CTC fundraisers must follow the same guidelines as Central High School fundraisers.
Lost and Found
Articles found in and around the school should be turned in to the main office where owners may claim their property by identifying it.
Library
The library contains fiction and non-fiction, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference books as well as current magazines and newspapers. It may be used by all students for reference work and for study. Students may use the library during activity/lunch period and must report to homeroom and sign the library pass before going to the library. Students using the library during lunch period must eat the same lunch period as their homeroom. If it is necessary for a student to leave the library, a pass must be obtained from the librarian.
1) A maximum of five (5) books and (3) magazines per student may be checked out at one time.
2) Students may not sign out books or magazines in another student’s name.
3) No one with overdue materials will be permitted to use the library during activity/lunch period until materials are returned and fine are paid.
4) Students using the library are subject to the same rules as govern classroom behavior. Persistent violations will result in referral to the disciplinary process.
Prom
Only CHS juniors and seniors and their pre-approved guests (grade 9 and not over the age of 20) may attend the annual prom. Guests who attend another high school must provide letters (on official school letterhead) from their schools administration stating that they are currently students in good standing at their schools. Other guests who are not graduates of CHS must provide a reference letter from an employer or community member. All outside guests must be pre-registered with their letters of recommendation by the deadline announced during ticket sales. The host student must accompany the guest to the prom. The host student is responsible for the conduct of his or her guests. Any student serving a suspension at the time of the prom will be prohibited from attending. Any student who was expelled from CHS or another school is not permitted to attend.
Tickets will be sold during lunch activity for a minimum of one week. Students and their guests will be registered on the prom roster at the time of ticket purchase. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT THE NAME OF THE GUEST. NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED FOR PROM TICKETS ONCE SALES CLOSE. Students who find it necessary to bring a different guest after sales close must pay a fee of $5.00 to have the ticket changed. NO CHANGES WILL BE MADE WITHIN THE FIVE DAYS PRIOR TO THE PROM.
All CHS rules including dress code and behavior guidelines apply to the prom.
Organizations
The following organizations have been active and functioning and will continue to be during this present year: Student Council, National Honor Society, Cheerleading, Future Farmers of America, Future Business Leaders of America, Art Club and Chamber Singers.
Parties and Dances
All parties and dances must be approved through the principal’s office by a formal request in writing. Police protection and janitorial service will be contracted by the office and paid for by the organization.
Requests for School Records
The Spring Cove School District is in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations and follows its requirements.
Requests for student records (i.e. cumulative records, test results, etc.) or report cards may be made by a child’s parents(s) or guardian(s). All requests for such materials must be submitted in writing to the principal’s office. Classroom teachers are able to provide current information on grades and classroom concerns at any time. Parents/guardians may request to schedule a personal conference at any time during the school term.
Separations/Divorces
It is the practice of the Spring Cove School District to remain neutral in working with families split by divorce or separation. The district does not take sides with one parent against the other where there may be a possible conflict over children attending school in this district.
If one party has a divorce decree, which establishes that person as legal guardian, it is advisable to allow the school to copy such document for attachment to the child’s permanent record. The school will use this as a legal basis for working with the custodial parent at the exclusion of the other parent.
In absence of such a document, the school district cannot deny either parent access to his or her child. We cannot withhold information or refuse to see or work with the other parent. We cannot keep the other parent from picking up his or her child from school.
The Spring Cove School District’s goal is to protect all children from emotionally upsetting situations. Our school counselors are available to assist students with any adjustment issues related to divorce or separation.
Student Assistance Programs
Student Assistance Programs (SAP) were designed to aid school personnel in identifying and assisting middle and high school level students who may be experiencing problems which may affect academics or behavior at school. At time, these problems may be related to mental health concerns, depression, suicidal thoughts or alcohol and other substance abuse. The SAP team utilizes a systematic process, along with specially trained school personnel, to intervene, and refer these students to appropriate in –school and/or community services.
How does SAP work at CHS?
SAP consists of a core group of professionally trained staff of teachers, principals, school nurses, guidance counselors, and counselors from Altoona Hospital Behavioral Services department. SAP team members meet weekly to review referrals and make appropriate recommendations for services.
Students can be referred to SAP for different reasons: violating the district’s drug and alcohol policy; exhibiting signs of metal health problems, including the risk of suicide; behavioral concerns; or a drop in school performance. It is important to know that students can be referred to SAP by teachers, school personnel, parents, friends, or by themselves.
Student participation in the program is voluntary and is meant to be a support service for students and families. All information regarding a student’s involvement in SAP is confidential and maintained in the best interest of the student.
Services Offered by the SAP Team
1. Referral Screening
2. Mental Health Assessment
3. Drug and Alcohol Assessment
4. Individual Counseling
5. Referrals to outside agencies/services when needed
6. Support Groups
There are eleven situational categories listed in District policy 227/227.1 ranging from awareness of another student regarding drugs, alcohol, or steroid use, to possession, use, under the influence, or distribution of drugs, alcohol, steroids, or other controlled substances on school grounds. For each category the mandatory discipline/rehabilitation process is specified and ranges from no action, referral to SAP team, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, assessment by a licensed drug and alcohol facility, to formal hearing for expulsion from school. Students may also be referred for prosecution due to drug and/or alcohol incidents.
This policy, including the rules, regulations, and guidelines, is a concerted effort by the Spring Cove School District to respond to the uses and abuses of drugs, steroids, alcohol, and mood altering substances by our student population. Copies of the Spring Cove School District Drug and Alcohol Policy for students are available upon request.
**Listed below are the names and phone numbers of the Blair County Drug and Alcohol Counseling Services licensed by the Department of Health, which may be contacted regarding information about drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitative, and re-entry program, which are available.
Altoona Hospital Mental Health Center (814) 946-2141
Altoona Hospital Drug & Alcohol Services (814) 946-2279
If you need more information, please contact Stephanie L. Thompson, Central High School SAP Team Coordinator and Assistant Principal.
Telephone Use
Please do not have parents or friends call you during the school hours unless it is a family emergency, at which time a Guidance Counselor will be present during the conversation. If necessary, messages will be transmitted to the student during the afternoon announcements at 2:31 PM.
Additionally, please do not have parents or friends send text messages or call your cell phone during school hours. Please remember, the cell phone policy is in effect from 7:42 AM to 2:31 PM and it will be enforced. If you need to make a telephone call, please go to the office and someone will assist you.
Use of Medications
The district encourages parents/guardians and physicians to minimize the prescribing of medication to be taken during the school day. Medications should be given before and after school hours when possible. The administration of prescribed medication to a student during school hours in accordance with the direction of a parent/guardian or family physician will be permitted only when failure to take such medicine would jeopardize the health of the student or when the student would not be able to attend school if the medicine were not available during school hours.
For purposes of this policy, medication shall include all medicines prescribed by a medical provider and any over-the-counter medicines.
If a student requires medication to be administered during the school day, the Board shall require an authorization form, which must be completed by the physician, certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP), or physician assistant (PA) and signed by the parent/guardian before medication can be given.
The Superintendent or designee, in conjunction with the head nurse, shall develop procedures for the administration and self-administration of students’ medications.
The school nurse, shall be the primary person responsible for administering medication. Medication may be self-administered by the student upon the physician, CRNP, or PA’s written request and in accordance with this policy.
All district employees involved in supervision of self-administration of medication shall receive appropriate training from the school nurse before performing this responsibility.
Building administrators and the head nurse shall review regularly the procedures for administration and self-administration or medications and shall evaluate recordkeeping, safety practices, and effectiveness of this policy.
The district shall inform all parents/guardians, students and staff about the policy and procedures governing the administration of medications.
This policy is for the safety and protection of all students in the district.
Any medication brought to school must be in a properly labeled container from the doctor or pharmacy. The label must include the student’s name, physician’s name, date of prescription, name of the medication, the dosage, and the frequency of administration. No medication will be administered from an unmarked container. There will be no over-the-counter medications administered within the district without the completion of the authorization form by the physician, CRNP, or PA and the parent/guardian.
The parent/guardian of the student, in all cases, shall be requested to personally bring the medication to school. Students will not be permitted to carry any medication during school hours, except for those students with a documented need for emergency medication.
Emergency medications (examples: Epi-Pen, inhalers) may be carried by the student and self-administered if the physician, CRNP, or PA indicates this need in writing and considers the student sufficiently responsible and the student demonstrates proficiency to the school nurse.
Except for emergency medications, all medications will be stored in a locked area in the Health Suite (nurse’s office) or school office. The nurse or designee will keep written documentation of the administration of medication.
The district shall not assume responsibility for any reactions that may occur following administration of medication sent from home, nor can there be any responsibility assumed if the parent/guardian does not send sufficient medication and does not complete the proper medication form.
The authorization form for the administration of medication must be updated with each new school year, with each new illness, and with any changes in dosage.
The medication policy applies to all field trips.
Please refer to Board Policy #210 for additional information.
Visitors
The Board welcomes and encourages visits to school by parents, other adult residents of the community, and interested educators. To ensure order in the schools and not disrupt the educational process, the Principal or designee has the authority to prohibit the entry of any person into a school of this district.
Visitors are required to register at the school’s office and adhere to building guidelines. Arrangements should be made ahead of the visit.
APPENDICES
Access to Student Information by Military or College Recruiters
Pursuant to federal No Child Left Behind legislation (20 U.S.C. §7908), the Spring Cove School District must disclose to military recruiters and institutions of higher education (i.e., colleges and universities), upon request, the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of high school students.
The district must also notify parents/guardians of their right and the right of their child to request that the district not release such information without prior written consent.
Parents/guardians wishing to exercise their option to withhold their consent of the release of the above information to military recruiters or to institutions of higher education must sign this form and return it to the School Principal by September 15.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and as always, please do not hesitate to contact the School Principal at Central High School if you have any questions regarding this matter.
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No Child Left Behind
Reservation of Consent for the Release of Student Information
Please DO NOT release the name, address, and telephone
number of ________________________________________ to:
(Insert name of student)
Military recruiters
Institutions of higher education (i.e., colleges and universities)
_____________________ _____________________
(Print Name of Student) (School)
____________________________________________________
(Signature of Parent/Guardian) (Date)
Annual Notification of The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are
1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the School Principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the School Principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, data services contractor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
Annual Notification of Release of Directory Information Under The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that the Spring Cove School District, with certain exceptions, obtain written consent from a parent/guardian prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from a child's education records. However, the Spring Cove School District may disclose appropriately designated "directory information" without written consent, unless a parent/guardian has advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Spring Cove School District to include this type of information in certain school publications and/or electronic media. Examples include
• A playbill, showing a student's role in a drama production,
• The annual yearbook,
• Honor roll or other recognition lists,
• Graduation program,
• District newsletter,
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members,
• Class projects, class video projects; and/or pictures of school activities,
• District web pages.
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent's prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks, newspapers, and local television stations for the purpose of recognizing extracurricular activities or special achievements. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories - names, addresses and telephone listings - unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student's information disclosed without their prior written consent. (1)
If a parent/guardian does not want the Spring Cove School District to disclose directory information without prior written consent, the parent/guardian must notify your School Principal in writing by September 15. Spring Cove School District has designated the following information as directory information:
• Student's name
• Parents’ name
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Address
• Telephone listing
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Electronic mail address
• Photograph (including placement on district web pages and in any print or electronic media)
• Degrees, honors, and awards received
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Grade level
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended
(1) These laws are: Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7908), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110), the education bill, and 10 U.S.C. 503, as amended by section 544, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (P.L. 107-107), the legislation that provides funding for the Nation's armed forces.
Annual Notification of the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232h; 34 CFR Part 98) applies to programs that receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents and students who are 18 years old or emancipated minors (i.e., “eligible students”) certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection, and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to
• Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (i.e., “protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (USDoE):
1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parents;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parents;
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
• Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of
1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening as a required condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.
• Inspect, upon request and before administration and use
1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
The Spring Cove School District will update policies regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. The Spring Cove School District will directly notify parents and eligible students of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. The school district will also directly notify parents and eligible students, such as through U.S. mail or email, at least annually at the start of each school year of the specific or approximate dates of the following activities and provide an opportunity to opt a student out of participation:
• Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution.
• Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by the USDoE.
• Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening described above.
Parents and/or eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with the
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact your School Principal at Central High School.
2013-2014 Annual Public Notice of Special Education Services and Programs
Services for Gifted Students and Services for Protected Handicapped Students
It is the responsibility of the Pennsylvania Department of Education to ensure that all children with disabilities residing in the Commonwealth, including children with disabilities attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disabilities, and who are in need of special education and related services, are identified, located, and evaluated. This responsibility is required by a federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 2004 (IDEA '04).
The IDEA '04 requires each state educational agency to publish a notice to parents, in newspapers or other media, before any major identification, location, or evaluation activity. The IDEA '04 requires this notice to contain certain information. Another federal law, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), which protects confidentiality, requires educational agencies to notify parents annually of the confidentiality rights (FERPA regulations have been amended 9 times). Pennsylvania special education regulations require each school district to fulfill the IDEA '04 notice requirement by providing an annual public notice. To comply with the above requirements, following is the annual public notice for the school districts in the accompanying list.
The school districts in the accompanying list are required by the IDEA ‘04 to provide a free appropriate public education to children with disabilities who need special education and related services. (Note: The duty to identify, locate, evaluate and provide special education services to school-age individuals incarcerated in local correctional institutions rests with the school district within whose boundaries such an institution is located.) School age children who need special education and related services are identified as children with disabilities. These students have been identified as being in need of specially designed instruction and have one or more of the following physical or intellectual disabilities:
*Autism
*Emotional disturbance
*Deafness
*Hearing impairment
*Specific learning disability
*Intellectual disability
*Multiple Disabilities
*Other health impairment
*Orthopedic Impairment due to chronic or acute health problems
*Speech and language impairment
*Visual impairment including blindness
*Deaf-blindness
*Traumatic Brain Injury
*Developmental Delay
Early Intervention
The IDEA ‘04 requires the provision of a free appropriate public education to children with disabilities between 3 years of age and the school district's age of beginners. In Pennsylvania, a child between 3 years of age and the school district's age of beginners who has a developmental delay or one or more of the physical or intellectual disabilities listed above may be identified as an "eligible young child."
Eligible young children are afforded the rights of school age children with disabilities, including screening, evaluation, individualized education program planning, and provision of appropriate programs and services.
Potential signs of developmental delay and other risk factors that could indicate disabilities and the possibility that a child is an eligible young child could include: By the age of 3: not saying many words; not using 2 or 3 word phrases and sentences; not walking; awkward gait (walking); drooling; not able to answer “who” or “what” questions; not using utensil to feed self; By the age of 4 (all of the above included): not toilet trained; difficulty with directional words (in, on, under, out); not playing with other children; not able to draw a circle, cross or imitate a vertical line; not able to understand the child’s speech most of the time; difficulty following simple two-step directions (pick up the paper and put it in the garbage); By the age of 5 (all of the above included): unable to answer “where” questions; unable to recall details from a story; not drawing a person with at least 6 parts; immature speech patterns (me instead of I); not able to hop forward with one foot without support; Other warning signs-at any age: Little or no eye contact; over/under sensitivities to pain, light, noise; hand flapping; no awareness of space-always bumping into other people or things; awkward hand or foot positioning; won’t touch or eat certain textures; child no longer can do things he/she used to do; developed normally, then stopped; echoes what is said; plays with toys inappropriately (watches wheels spin on the car but doesn’t play with the car).
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is responsible for providing programs and services to eligible young children under Act 212 of 1990, the Early Intervention Services System Act. The Intermediate Unit 8 provides programs and services to eligible young children on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. For more information, contact the IU8 Preschool Office at (800) 228-7900.
Screening
Intermediate Unit 8 and each school district in Bedford, Blair, Cambria and Somerset counties has established and implemented procedures to locate, identify, and evaluate students and young children suspected of being exceptional. These procedures include screening activities which include but are not limited to: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, and report cards); hearing screening (at a minimum of kindergarten, special ungraded classes, first, second, third, seventh, and eleventh grades); vision screening (every grade level); motor screening; and speech and language screening. In schools which have a Pre-Referral, Child-Study, Early Intervening or Instructional Support Team, the above screening activities may lead to consideration by the teams to move the next level of screening activities.
Intermediate Unit 8 and each school district have an established annual schedule to conduct screening activities. The screenings are conducted at specific times during the school year in designated school buildings and community sites. Screening may also be conducted in the student’s home school unless other arrangements are necessary. Parents, guardians or surrogate parents may contact their local school district or Intermediate Unit 8 contact person if they wish to learn more, have questions, believe their child may need to be identified or to obtain specific information about the times and locations of screening activities. The contact person for each school district and their phone number is listed at the end of this notice.
Except as indicated above or otherwise announced publicly, screening activities take place in an ongoing fashion throughout the school year. Each educational agency has a system for annually evaluating the effectiveness of its screening process.
Evaluation
When screening indicates that a student may be a child with a disability, the school district will seek parental consent to conduct an evaluation. Evaluation means procedures used in the determination of whether a child has a disability and the nature and extent of the special education and related services that the child needs. The term means procedures used selectively with an individual child and do not mean basic tests administered to or procedures used with all children.
This evaluation is conducted by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) that includes the parent and a group of qualified professionals. The process must be conducted in accordance with specific timelines and must include protection-in-evaluation procedures. For example, tests and procedures used as part of the evaluation may not be racially or culturally biased.
The evaluation process results in a written evaluation report. This report specifies a student's eligibility for special education based on the presence of a disability and the need for specially designed instruction. The evaluation report also makes recommendations for educational programming. Once parental consent for evaluation is obtained, the school district has timelines and procedures specified by law which it must follow.
Parents who think their child is exceptional may request that the school district conduct an evaluation. This request should be made in writing to the contact person in the accompanying listing. If a parent makes an oral request for an evaluation, the school district shall provide the parent with a form for that purpose. Pre-Referral, Child-Study, Early Intervening, or Instructional Support Team activities do not serve as a bar to the right of a parent to request, (at any time, including prior to or during the conduct of instructional support activities, an evaluation.)
Parents also have the right to obtain an independent educational evaluation. The school district must provide to parents, on request, information about where an independent educational evaluation may be obtained. Under certain circumstances, such an independent educational evaluation may be obtained at public expense.
Educational Placement
The IEP team develops a written education plan called an IEP. The IEP is based on the results of the evaluation. Required members include at least one regular education teacher of the child (if the child is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment), at least one special education teacher, or where appropriate, at least one special education provider, a local educational agency, the child, whenever appropriate, or beginning at age 14. Parents may agree, in writing, to excuse a team member or members.
An IEP describes a student's current educational levels, goals, objectives (when required), and the individualized programs and services that the student will receive. IEP’s are reviewed on an annual basis. The IEP team will make decisions about the type of services, the level of intervention, and the location of intervention. Types of services include:
1. Autistic Support
2. Blind and Visually Impaired Support
3. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Support
4. Emotional Support
5. Learning Support
6. Life Skills Support
7. Multiple Disabilities Support
8. Physical Support
9. Speech and Language Support
Level of support options include:
* Itinerant – Special Education supports and services provided by special education personnel for 20% or less of the school day.
* Supplemental – Special Education supports and services provided by Special Education personnel for more than 20% but less than 80% of the school day.
* Full-time - Special Education supports and services provided by Special Education personnel for 80% or more of the school day.
Placement must be made in the least restrictive environment in which the student's needs can be met with special education and related services. All students with disabilities must be educated to the maximum extent appropriate with children who are not disabled.
Services for Protected Handicapped Students
Students who are not eligible to receive special education programs and services may qualify as “protected handicapped” students and therefore be protected by other federal and state laws intended to prevent discrimination. The school district must ensure that “protected handicapped” students have equal opportunity to participate in the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate for each individual student. In compliance with state and federal law, the school district will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student's abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student the child must be of school age with a physical or intellectual disability that substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program.
These services and protections for "protected handicapped” students may be distinct from those applicable to exceptional or thought-to-be exceptional students. The school district or the parent may initiate an evaluation if they believe a student is a protected handicapped student. For further information on the evaluation procedures and provision of services to protected handicapped students, parents should contact the Special Education Contact in the accompanying listing.
Confidentiality
Each school district protects the confidentiality of personally identifiable information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and other applicable federal and state laws, policies, and regulations.
Education records means those records that are directly related to the student, including computer media and videotape, which are maintained by an educational agency or by a party acting for the agency. Educational agency, for purposes of this notice, means the local school district and/or the Intermediate Unit 8. For all students, the educational agency maintains education records that include but are not limited to:
· Personally identifiable information - confidential information that includes, but is not limited to, the student's name, name of parents and other family members, the address of the student or student's family, and personal information or personal characteristics which would make the student's identity easily traceable.
· Directory information - information contained in an education record of a student which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. It includes, but is not limited to, the student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student's education records. They are:
1. Parents have the right to inspect and review a child's education record. The educational agency will comply with a request to inspect and review education records without unnecessary delay and before any meeting regarding an IEP or any due process hearing, but in no case more than 45 days after the request has been made. Requests should be submitted in writing, indicating the records the parents wish to inspect, to the school principal or other appropriate school official. Parents have the right to a response from the educational agency to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the records. Parents have the right to request copies of the records. While the educational agency cannot charge a fee to search for or to retrieve information, it may charge a copying fee as long as it does not effectively prevent the parents from exercising their right to inspect and review the records. Parents have the right to appoint a representative to inspect and review their child's records. If any education record contains information on more than one child, parents have the right only to inspect and review the information relating to their child.
2. If parents think information in an education record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of their child, they may request amendment of the record. Requests should be in writing and clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. The educational agency will decide whether or not to amend the record and will notify the parents in writing of its decision. If the educational agency refuses to amend a record, it will notify the parents of their right to a hearing to challenge the disputed information. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parents or student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. “Destruction” of information means physical destruction or removal of personal identifiers so the information is no longer personally identifiable.
Whenever information is no longer needed to provide educational services to a child or six (6) years after graduation, the information in their education record will be destroyed by the educational agency, if there is not a current request to inspect and review or a request for copies. However, a permanent record of a former student’s name, telephone number, grades, achievement, attendance, classes attended, grade level completed, year completed, Evaluation/Re-evaluation Reports, last three (3) IEP’s, and last Notice of Recommended Educational Placement may be maintained in an electronic form without time limitation.
Information no longer needed to provide educational services must be destroyed if requested by a parent. However, a permanent record of a student’s name, address, phone number, grades, attendance, classes attended, grade level completed, year completed may be maintained in an electronic form without time limitation.
4. The educational agency will provide, upon request, a listing of the types and locations of education records maintained, the school officials responsible for these records, and the school personnel authorized to see personally identifiable information. Such personnel receive training and instruction regarding confidentiality. The educational agency keeps a record of parties obtaining access to education records, including the name of the party, the date access was given, and the purpose for which the party is authorized to use the records.
5. Parents have the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. "Consent" means: the parent(s) have been fully informed regarding the activity requiring consent, in their native language or other mode of communication; they understand and agree in writing to the activity; and they understand that consent is voluntary and may be revoked at any time. Information may be disclosed without consent to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); person or company with whom the educational agency has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Directory information may be released without parent consent unless the parent has exercised their right to opt out of disclosure of directory information. Parents have the right to refuse to let an agency designate any or all of the above information as directory information.
Upon request, the educational agency discloses education records (including disciplinary records) without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
6. Parents have a right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by an educational agency to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Complaints may be filed with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, and 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.
7. NDAA of 2002 also requires districts to give military recruiters the same access to secondary school students as provided to postsecondary institutions or to prospective employers; and provide students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings to military recruiters, when requested, unless a parent has opted out of providing such information.
Mode of Communication
The content of this notice has been written in straightforward, simple language. If a person does not understand any of this notice, he or she should contact the school district or Intermediate Unit 8 and request an explanation.
The educational agency will arrange for an interpreter for parents with limited English proficiency. If a parent is deaf or blind or has no written language, the educational agency will arrange for communication of this notice in the mode normally used by the parent (e.g., sign language, Braille, or oral communication).
Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to:
• Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)—
1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
• Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of—
1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.
• Inspect, upon request and before administration or use—
1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
These rights transfer from the parents to a student who has graduated from high school, or is 18 years old, or an emancipated minor under State law, or has reached the age of majority in Pennsylvania.
The educational agency will develop and adopt policies regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. The educational agency will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. The educational agency will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation in the specific activity or survey. The educational agency will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the school year if the educational agency has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement:
• Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution.
• Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.
• Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.
A parent may file a written complaint alleging that the rights described in this notice were not provided:
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Bureau of Special Education
Division of Compliance
333 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333
SPECIAL EDUCATION CONTACT
|Spring Cove School District |Jennifer Snyder, Director of Special Education |
|Administration Building |(814) 224-5124 phone |
|1100 East Main Street |(814) 224-3068 fax |
|Roaring Spring, PA 16673 |jensnyder@scsd.k12.pa.us |
Notice of Homeless Education Programs
Each year, more than 800,000 school-age children in the United States experience homelessness. The federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 includes a provision to make sure that homelessness does not cause these children to be left behind in school. Homeless children should have access to the education and other services that they need to meet the same challenging state academic achievement standards to which all students are held.
The Spring Cove School District is required to provide activities for, and services to, homeless children, including preschool-age homeless children and youths, enabling them to enroll in, attend, and succeed in school or preschool programs.
The law requires all school districts to inform parents or guardians of their rights under this provision of NCLB. Specifically, it states that, pending resolution of a dispute about school placement, a school district must immediately enroll a homeless student in the student’s school of origin or other school selected on the basis of the child’s best interest and provide a written explanation of the rights of appeal to the parent or guardian of the student.
If you have any questions about this provision of NCLB, please contact your School Principal at Central High School.
Right to Request Teacher Qualifications
Parents/guardians of students in the Spring Cove School District have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct their children. No Child Left Behind federal law allows parents/guardians to ask for certain information about their children’s classroom teachers, and requires the district to provide this information in a timely manner. Specifically, parents/guardians have the right to ask for the following information about each of their children’s classroom teachers:
• Whether the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches.
• Whether the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has decided that the teacher can teach in a classroom without being licensed or qualified under state regulations because of special circumstances.
• The teacher’s college major; whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degrees.
• Whether any instructional aides or similar paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if they do, their qualifications.
If parents/guardians would like to receive additional information about any teachers or paraprofessional aides who work with their children, they should contact the School Principal at Central High School.
Spring Cove district is fully committed to the success of each child and appreciates its partnership with parents/guardians in this effort.
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